Organisation launches project to honour youth with disabilities

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) announced the launch of Vava iYouth.

Vava iYouth is a dynamic new youth wing of the NCPD dedicated to promoting inclusion and equity for young persons with disabilities across South Africa.

The project aims to ensure inclusion and equity for children and young persons with disabilities in South Africa in every aspect of their lives and livelihoods.

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“Vava iYouth is committed to ensuring that young persons with disabilities have equal access to opportunities in every facet of their lives.

“By supporting youth with disabilities irrespective of impairment, race, language, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation, or nationality, Vava iYouth strives to facilitate their full economic and social participation, rights, and enjoyment,” said Lebogang Boya: NCPD senior manager programmes and projects.

The project was launched on June 13.

NCPD extended special thanks to its Partner Investec for their unwavering support and commitment to empowering youth with disabilities.

The key focus areas of Vava iYouth are:

• Providing assistive devices: Members will provide the necessary tools and equipment to support youth with disabilities.

• Self-representation: It will encourage and facilitate the inclusion of youth with disabilities in all forums.

• Job preparations and internships: The initiative offers training and internship opportunities to enhance skills and facilitate employment.

One of the cornerstone initiatives linked to the assistive devices pillar is the Heroes Unite fundraising campaign.

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Lebogang said the campaign, which is partnered with Disney, aims to support the provision of assistive devices for youth by selling Heroes Unite wristbands for R30 each, available at NCPD’s online shop.

She said these funds are instrumental in enhancing the lives of children with disabilities by providing the essential tools they need for daily living and growth.

“The Vava iYouth program has already made significant strides in its mission. Through our focused initiatives and strategic partnerships, we have provided tangible support, training, and opportunities for empowerment to many young South Africans with disabilities,” said Lebogang.

She said the NCPD’s continued dedication ensures that these youth have equal access to resources and opportunities, fostering meaningful and fulfilling participation in society.

Established in 1939 NCPD was formed to shape South Africa into a country where persons with disabilities have access to equal opportunities and rights.

For the past eight and a half decades, it has run awareness programmes, and advocacy, promoted universal access and facilitated economic participation for and with persons with disabilities.

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Its mission is to drive equitable social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities

It hopes that a diverse South African society is built on equality and equity, in which persons with disabilities are recognised as an integral part of society.

Collaboration for social and economic inclusion for persons with disabilities through NCPD’s programmes and services.

This is achieved through service delivery, advocacy and campaigns for awareness and funding.

Contact the NCPD to learn more about Vava iYouth initiatives, meet the team, and learn more about the transformative journey.

Email lebo@ncpd.org.za. for more information.